BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT!You are valued as a customer and we know how important it is for your project to arrive on time and on budget. One of our pre-fabrication procedures incorporates design rule checks and a thorough CAD review of all PCB layer data we receive. Every effort to minimize and correct any obvious errors is made. Some CAD software packages are prone to error when generating Gerber data, so we review your data for obvious errors. With your guidance, our experienced staff can re-touch your data to produce the result you expect. If our check of your data produces any concerns, a “snapshot” of the area will be supplied and your approval requested before we proceed. This level of commitment to getting it right and on time is found at every stage of production process. AP Circuits does not force you to use proprietary CAD software in order to receive a low-cost prototype. We offer links to FREE PCB layout software for both PC and UNIX based systems. Even the older Gerber format, RS274-D, is welcomed at no extra cost. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. What does AP Circuits do?AP Circuits’ main focus for the past twenty-three years has been the production of small quantity prototype circuit boards. We also have alliances with, UL/ISO certified, US and Pacific Rim based manufacturers to service all of your printed circuit board manufacturing requirements including RoHS and Lead Free. Learn more about us. Q. I am new to PCB prototyping. Can AP Circuits help?We encourage you to visit Technology & Resources. Check out the information provided under information resources – Data File Formats and Uses, CAD Programs and Sample Data Files, etc. If you still have questions, please contact our friendly staff for assistance. Q. Can you tell me more about two-layer circuit boards.For more than twenty years, AP Circuits has offered “bare PCB’s” as a BASIC prototype service. These two-layer circuit boards do not have solder masks or component legends on them. They are cut as a basic rectangle or a simple circle. The prototype boards are meant to aid designers in “proofing” their design. Prototype orders ship the next business day provided this criteria is followed. There is an on-line price estimator for prototype orders. In addition to this “bare PCB” service AP Circuits also offers masking and contour cutting options. To receive a quote and delivery schedule please send us your data and requirements to quotes@apcircuits.com. All orders should be accompanied with payment information. We accept Visa, Master Card, and PO's on approved Net 30 accounts. Place an order now. Q. How do I take advantage of AP Circuits’ low-cost services?
Follow this link for complete prototyping specifications. If your requirements are outside our standard specifications we would be pleased to offer a quote based on your requirements. Email your specifications and, if possible, include a copy of your data. Q. How can AP Circuits offer such low prices?We continue to develop our own specialized software, which enables us to format and panelize with an exceptionally high degree of accuracy. Your data is grouped with other data to reduce production costs. When we receive the correct data files and your orderform from your initial transmission your order is sped through our production system. You will receive automated progress reports as your order passes each stage of its production. AP Circuits does not compromise on the laminate quality. We use Nan Ya laminate products which are some of the finest FR4 materials available. Q. Does AP Circuits offer any slower or less expensive services?A new service was introduced in February of 2007. It is geared to the Expert or extremely Budget conscious designer. This could be for you if your design fits within the criteria. Visit E-PCB.COM to see if our new services are right for you. Q. What if I am not satisfied with the boards I receive?Our goal is your complete satisfaction. Assist us by making sure the data you provide is complete and contains no discrepancies with your fabrication information. Q. What are the most common delays that can be avoided?Getting your order to you on time is a shared responsibility. Due to automation of our systems, the information we receive from you on the initial transmission is critical. Missing an order form or any of your data files can cause your order to be delayed. When operator intervention is required we need to contact you. It is very important that you provide us with a telephone number where you can be reached. We will be unable to proceed without your guidance, and your order may be delayed. We will manufacture your order to the specifications of the service type you have requested. You can do your part by avoiding some common pitfalls:
Q. Do you accept multiple parts or arrays?We do accept multi-parts or arrays in our BASIC double-sided prototype service. You must pre-panelize the pieces and be able to “break” out or "depanelize" at your facility. We will only router the outside edge of your “array”. Multi-part options are NOT available for multi-layer orders. Q. I understand you generally expect all holes to be plated holes in the PCB design. What if my design requires some non-plated holes?We can accommodate non-plated holes at no extra charge. In your design notes, let us know that your board has non-plated holes. We use a process called “tenting” to prevent hole plating. However, it is not as effective as post-process drilling. In order for a hole to tent properly, we must have a minimum of .005 inches clearance around the non-plated location. That is to say no pads, traces, or artifact on the top or bottom layers within .005 inches of the non-plated location. If the non-plated location is critical we have options that will meet your needs. Q. What if my PCB prototype design does not meet the specs of the boards you offer under your Basic prototype service? How can I get a custom quote for such prototypes?If you find that our Prototype service does not meet your needs, please send your Gerber files to quotes@apcircuits.com for a customized quote. In your email, please tell us the number of pieces, other requirements such as masking, and the turn time needed. Also remember to include your phone number in the email so we can clarify any issues with your data and provide the most economical quote. Q. Do you offer component assembly?We currently do not offer component assembly in our production facilities. Upon request, we can refer to you an assembly company that will install your components on the PCB's provided by AP Circuits. CNC ROUTING QUESTIONSQ. What is the recommended thickness of line for the PCB outline for routing?Please use a 0.010" line to indicate the extents and/or inside cuts of the board. Q. Is routing done along the center of the outline?Yes the edge of the router bit will travel down the center of your outline. Q. What is the routing tool diameter?Our standard router is a 0.094" bit, we also stock .050", .070", and .125" bits. Q. How close can the router get to the features of the board?Please ensure there is a minimum 0.015" gutter between the router path and the closest pad, trace or plane area. Q. Can you cut complex shapes or inside cutouts?Yes, please indicate on your mechanical layer. The complexity of your needs will determine if there are any additional fees involved. FINISHED HOLE SIZE QUESTIONSQ. What are finished hole sizes?A finished hole size is the opening left after all metals have been deposited into the hole barrel. Some CAD programs output drill files listing the finished sizes of the holes while others produce drill files that indicate the tool sizes used to drill the required holes. The tool sizes will generally be 0.003" to 0.005" larger than the finished diameter. Q. What are the acceptable finished hole sizes?Any finished hole size between 0.013” and 0.247” is acceptable. Please consult our drill table for actual sizes available. Q. What if I have holes larger than 0.247"?We offer an inner-routing service for any hole sizes larger than 0.247". Routing is performed using bit sizes of 0.0315, 0.050", 0.0709", 0.0945" or 0.125". Fees for inner routing will vary depending on the number and sizing of holes required and their complexity. Q. What should be shown in the drill file: tool diameter or finished hole diameter?We can accept either finished hole or tool diameters, but please tell us which you are using. MASKING QUESTIONSQ. What is the standard solder masking and legend features for you PLUS service?Our PLUS service offers green top and bottom solder masks an a white top legend. Q. Can I have a component legend on both sides of my board?We can do both sides if required. Bottom white legends are available for an optional premium. Q. Can I have a different color component legend?Yes, other colors are available only through our outsourced service for an additional fee. All of our in house services use white epoxy ink. Q. What is the minimum thickness of line for legend text?0.006” is the minimum recommended trace for legend text. Q. What is the minimum height for letters on legend?0.030” is the minimum recommended height. LEAD FREE QUESTIONSAP Circuits has been investigating lead-free alternatives for several years and will continue to monitor trends in this area. From time-to-time we have offered lead-free finishes to customers for their evaluation. At this time, the vast majority of our customers still prefer the traditional solder finish and the core of our production will continue to be finished with tin/lead until the public reaches a comfort level with a lead-free finish or North American legislation requires a change. All of our prototype circuit boards are currently manufactured with traditional tin/lead solder. Lead-free alternatives are available, but not on our Basic prototype or Plus services. If you require a lead-free finish, please let us know when you transmit your data and we will provide possible alternative finishes and a quote for you. GENERAL INFORMATIONQ. What are your business hours?Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Q. What files do I need to manufacture my PCB order? Where should I send these files?We need Gerber files, drill files, ordering information, and any additional fabrication information. Follow this link for a more complete explanation of what is required. Please make sure there are no discrepancies in the information you provide. Q. How do I provide my data to AP Circuits?You can email, FTP, use our AP Client program or go to our Online Order site to get your files to us. Q. Can I cancel my order?Depending on where your order is staged, it may be possible to cancel your order. Some costs could be incurred. Once the order is drilled, it is too late to cancel. You can request this order to be held and shipped with a future order. Give us a call at (403) 250-3406 as soon as possible if you need to cancel. Q. What about payment for my order?Accepted methods of payment are VISA, Master Card, and purchase order numbers for approved NET 30 accounts. Q. How do you ship the boards?AP Circuits ships FedEx priority overnight with orders received prior to 11:00 a.m. (MTN) or 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) shipping the following business day. FedEx is our exclusive carrier. We can ship on our account or your FedEx account if you prefer. The reliability of the service received from FedEx is such that during the twenty years AP Circuits has been manufacturing prototype circuit boards, we have experienced extremely few shipment delays. With new technology, the shipping process has been streamlined to such an extent that US Customs is aware of each and every one of our shipments prior to the goods even leaving the airport in Canada! All the necessary paperwork is electronically transmitted to the FedEx hub in Memphis to ensure that packages pass seamlessly through the FedEx shipping system. On the few occasions where delays have occurred, they have been largely due to weather or mechanical failures with FedEx. Customs delays are rare and typically only when order values exceed $ 2 000.00 (US). Q. Does AP Circuits do business with PCB buyers and designers outside North America?Apart from customers in North America, we serve many customers globally including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Spain. All orders are shipped via FedEx International priority. Q. How do you calculate turnaround time?All Basic prototype orders received by 11:00 a.m. (MST) or 1:00 p.m. (EST) are shipped the next business day. Multi-layer specials typically take 4 days to produce from the point where the data and price is verified. If the data is received before 11:00 a.m. on Monday the finished product will be shipped from our production facility Thursday. Q. I have more questions. Where can I reach you?You can phone us at (403) 250-3406 or email us at support@apcircuits.com if you have further questions. For a glossary of common PCB terms please follow this link. |
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